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Historical Background



The Anglo Saxon time period lasted roughly from 449 to1066 A.D. Before this time there were first the Britons that lived on the southern end of the British island. A little further north there were the Picts. On the island of Ireland were the Gaels. When Julius Caesar was at his strongest, around 55 B.C., he took over the Britons. The Picts were forced to move more north into what we now know as Scotland. Eventually Caesar’s kingdom was being to get by other people and he pulled out of Britain. The Romans left a major mark introducing Christianity, cities, roads, and writing.

The beginning of the Anglo-Saxon time period is given to be 449 A.D. although the invasion of the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes would have taken many years to happen. These Germanic Tribes took over.
Once all the tribes had got there they formed an alliance. These Germanic tribes brought with them their strong pagan religion. As time passed the barbaric ways of the tribes became civilized and some accepted Christianity.
Christianity spread more with Patrick converting the Gaels in Ireland. Augustine helped convert the kingdom of Kent. There he established the Canterbury missionary (Canterbury Tales).
The Vikings came to England about 790. In 1016 Canute was able to win many Anglo-Saxon nobles over and became king of England. The next person in line Edward the confessor had no children and cause troubles when he died.
The Medieval Period 1066-1485

Resources:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/anglo_saxons/saxons.shtml